I just bougth a 86 4Runner and the rear leaf springs sag. What is the cheapest and easist way to lift the rear to match the front again? I hear the add-a-leaf helps and new rear shackles from All Pro Off-Road, or block lift.

 

pretty much what you named. Try using the little search button on the top bar, you will yield a great amount of information.

 

Short of new springs, an add-a-leaf is likely the best option, helps restore ride height and gets the stock leaves off of the overload for a better ride, Rancho Soft-Ride AAL kit is good: http://www.gorancho.com/.

Longer shackle is next best, will give lift and travel but leave ride quality the same: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ4

Blocks would be the last option, just gives static lift: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shims.shtml#FAQ12

 

I second the blocks as a last option. I did that on my 4Runner back in highschool and it is a mistake. You get sooo much better flex and ride out of just springs. An add-a-leaf may restore your sag, depending on what you carry in the back. I found my add-a-leaf has defeated it's purpose after 4 years, but then again, I had an add-a-leaf, and a 4" block for the lift.
I am not the biggest fan of just using shackles for such a small lift. Not sure why, but it just doesnt seem right to me. I would rather have new springs made but thats my stand on it.

 

Cheaper & easier: Napo coil lift
see: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showth...sb=5&o=14&vc=1

 

I am not a big fan of "cheap" suspension mods. If your springs are shot they should be replaced.

I also am not a huge fan of AAL's... I think having them reached will be better, and probally last as long, at least long enough to save for new springs.

Blocks and shackles wont do you any good in this situation. Yes you will not sag anymore buy you didnt solve the problem either.

 

My 86 was about on the stops when I got it. As a short term fix I cut down a leaf from an old set of Chevy springs and made my own add a leaf. Getting it off the bumps stops sure improved the ride but it has NO flex. If you go with new after markets that might actually flex and not planning on lifting the front you may need to custom order or possibly remove a leaf to get it to sit level.

Talk to Trail gear or Marlin and see what they can do for you if you are looking for stock ride hight.

Might also look for posts by Death Runner. He has a very mild lift in the rear to go with the long travel front he has. Looks like it flexes up really well. I just don't recall what he is running to tell you myself.

 

I had AAL's and 4" block on my 89 Runner which was recently wrecked. They rode well and stood up to the past 3 years or so of normal use (not crawling).
I used Pro Comps AALs install was smooth and done in a day in my driveway. It was a huige difference compared to the sagging rear and worth the $40 or so bucks as a fix to the problem.

My 'new' 88 runner has Skyjacker 6" springs and a slightly longer shackle with the overload removed. The skyjacker's ride harsher then the AAL did at the moment, but I'm running light with the top off and no heavy gear in the back and they haven't been on but a month now. They've loosened up some already and becoming more tolerable. I'm sure once the top and tools put some weight on them this winter they'll be fine.
Front is Superlift 4" IFS both times so nothing chaged there giving me a fair comparison of rear options.

Another option not mentioned and is the cheapest (free) is to lower your torsion bars :<) to match the rear. Boy that would ruin your ride quality eh?

-Bill

 

My little brother tried something like that.. but placed it around the rear shocks. I guess to make a wannabe coil over?? :pat:

 

I actually had the TJ coils on my runner for a while. The ride was good, and it lifted the back end about 1.5-2" above stock. It just wouldn't compress enough for me when rock crawling.

Look at Alcan's if your going to do leaf replacement. They custom make every set. They'll run about the same as OME springs for cost. See my poll at https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/ome-vs-downey-vs-alcan-rear-leaf-springs-90376/